Bariatric Surgery Program
Steve-Lost 60 lbs	Mindy-Lost 95 lbs	Dora-Lost 90 lbs

We offer a comprehensive program to support patients interested in a surgical solution to weight loss. Our program staff coordinates your needs with Torrance Memorial surgeons who are experienced in bariatric surgery. We are dedicated to offering services, technology, equipment and a commitment to quality healthcare that meets the unique needs of severely obese patients. In addition, our staff will help with psychological and nutritional counseling and provide physical rehabilitation.

Surgery for weight loss, also known as bariatric surgery, both restricts the amount of food that can be consumed and reduces the number of calories absorbed. With appropriate management, surgical weight loss patients frequently lose more than 100 pounds and maintain that loss for life.

Who Qualifies

Tina-Lost 152 lbs	Kalia-Lost 101 lbs	Surgical Weight Loss Patient Steve

If you have more than 100 pounds to lose, have failed at other diets and formulas, or suffer from such ailments as hypertension, diabetes, back pain, hip problems, high cholesterol, frequent heart burn, excessive snoring, headaches or depression, you may be a candidate for surgical weight loss. Free, confidential phone assessments are offered and our staff of caring professionals is available to answer your questions.

Endorsed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), surgical weight loss procedures can provide a permanent, safe solution. As many patients say, surgical weight loss gave them "a new lease on life," eliminating deadly health issues, granting greater freedom in living life and changing how they think of their bodies.

To receive maximum benefit from surgical weight loss, you are the key to achieving a new life, and lifestyle. By maintaining a healthier body weight following surgery, you discover that you:

• Give up dieting forever - eat to live instead of living to eat
• Stop being a couch potato - live an active lifestyle and enjoy your family
• Get encouragement from supportive people and groups
• Replace weight gaining attitudes and behaviors with those that support permanent weight loss
• Become a productive member of society.

Severe obesity is an illness that is often lifelong and difficult to reverse. It is notoriously resistant to interventions such as dieting, medications, and behavioral modification alone. Surgical weight loss, also called bariatric surgery, is considered one of the most effective treatments for patients with a serious weight problem. The most commonly performed procedure is called a Roux-Y-Gastric Bypass.

Mitch-Lost 318 lbs

What is Bariatric Surgery?

This operation produces excellent durable results. The result of surgery is a decrease in the size of the stomach (called "restriction") and a re-routing of the process of digestion in the intestines to decrease the daily calorie intake (called malabsorbtion). The specifics of the Roux-Y-Gastric Bypass are tailored to the needs of the individual patient. The Roux-Y-Gastric Bypass may be performed either using an open surgical technique or laparoscopically, using minimally invasive techniques. Surgeons perform the procedure by making five or six, one-half-inch size incisions on the abdomen. The open surgical technique involves a larger incision and is usually necessary for many larger patients.

Weight Table and Treatment Options - Men

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this procedure the "gastric stapling" surgery? No, the vertical band gastroplasty, or stomach stapling, is an older technique that frequently breaks and is no longer used. How long will I have to stay in the hospital? The usual stay is six or seven days (including the day you are discharged) for the open procedures, but less for the laparoscopic approach.
	Marty-Lost 145 lbs

How long will I be out of work?
You will be out of work three to four weeks (if your job involves no lifting) for the open procedure and about two weeks for the laparoscopic procedure.

I am interested in the operation, but am not sure. What should I do?
We understand that most people need time to make this important decision. The initial step is to meet with our healthcare practitioners. You will be referred to an experienced bariatric surgeon who has medical staff privileges at Torrance Memorial Medical Center. Your medical history will be reviewed to first determine if you are a candidate for the surgery. If surgery is not the answer for you, we can recommend other programs that may be better suited for you.

What if I qualify, but am still not sure?
Call and make an appointment to see us. You will have the opportunity to meet with counselors who have had the procedure. You may also attend one of our bimonthly support group sessions and talk to current patients.

What if I live far away and cannot come in?
Call and talk with one of our counselors. We can provide detailed information to you and your doctor about the program and the medical evaluation needed. Many of our patients have come to us from out of the area and out of the state for treatment.

A corporate rate is available at the Courtyard by Marriott for housing accommodations prior to and immediately following surgery. The Courtyard is conveniently located within minutes of Torrance Memorial at 2633 W. Sepulveda Blvd., Torrance, CA 90505. Please contact Annie Bordeos at the Marriott at 310-533-8000, ext. 637 for information, amenities, rates and reservations.

How does insurance cover this procedure?
Your patient care representative is available to answer your questions about insurance coverage and can assist you in navigating the world of health insurance. This procedure is covered by certain insurance plans, but for specific questions contact the practice for further information.

Patients who are 100 pounds or more overweight are candidates for Torrance Memorial’s Surgical Weight Loss program. Established in 2000, the program offers both open and laparoscopic Roux-En-Y gastric bypass surgery and lap banding. Individualized treatment plans are created for each patient. The hospital offers a pre-operative gastric bypass class for those patients who will be undergoing the procedure. The class educates patients on gastric bypass and what to expect, and answers any questions they may have about the surgery and recovery.

A dedicated inpatient unit is staffed by nurses specially trained in caring for gastric bypass patients. Hospital gowns and equipment such as beds, wheelchairs and blood pressure cuffs are sized especially for these patients. A multidisciplinary team of specialists can provide additional medical oversight of more complicated cases. Patients can also attend regular bariatric support group meetings with current and former patients.

First Step

Call and make an appointment to meet our physicians, nurse practitioners or staff. We are anxious to help you meet your weight loss goals.

For more information or to make an appointment call, 310-791-5138.

Testimonials

Dwayne Compton - 154 lbs Lost
	"I fought for a long time to be comfortable," said patient Dwayne Compton. "I feel really good and have more energy and stamina to play baseball, ride a bike and work as a mechanic."
Before		After

James Hersch 160 lbs Lost
	"The procedure totally changed my life. I"m working, I've lost 175 lbs and have more energy and stamina than I've had in 30 years."
Before		After

Cathy Bartel - 125 lbs Lost
	"I was tired of trying different programs and diets and them not working," said patient Cathy Bartel. "Surgical weight loss was the tool I needed to improve my health and get to the size and weight I wanted."
Before		After

Vanessa Moreno 91 lbs Lost
	"My whole life has changed because of surgical weight loss," said patient Vanessa Moreno. "I feel more confident, I am more active and I can fit into anything."
Before		After

Doctors

Mercedeh Baghai, M.D. completed her Doctor of Medicine and Internship at the University of California, San Francisco. Her general surgery training was completed at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester Minnesota. She then went on to Emory University in Atlanta Georgia where she completed two fellowships in Minimally Invasive Surgery. She is Board Eligible in General Surgery. She is a candidate member of the American College of Surgeons, Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES), and the American Society of Bariatric Surgeons (ASBS). She has recently joined Association of South Bay Surgeons. Dr. Baghai's contribution to our Bariatric Program is her expertise in Laparoscopic surgery. She has extensive experience in performing Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypasses.

Stanley Klein, M.D. is an active member of the Department of Surgery. He has in excess of twenty years' experience in all aspects of the evaluation and surgical management of the obese patient. Dr. Klein is board certified in General, Vascular and Surgical Critical Care. Throughout his career, Dr. Klein has been active in teaching medical students, residents and other health professionals about the care and treatment of the obese patient. Dr. Klein has contributed to over 200 peer-reviewed publications including the American Society of Bariatric Surgery, and multiple others dealing with surgery for the digestive tract. Dr. Klein is consistently recognized by his patients as a compassionate, energetic and dedicated surgeon who is committed to excellence in the care of his patients.

Aileen Takahashi, M.D. completed her general surgery training at Los Angeles County + USC Medical Center. During her residency at USC she spent an additional year in fellowship training in Trauma and Critical Care. She then went to UCLA where she spent a year focused on Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery. She is Board Certified in General Surgery and Surgical Critical Care. She is a Candidate member of the American College of Surgeons, Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons and the American Society of Bariatric Surgery. Her interests include advanced laparoscopic and bariatric surgery.

Contact Us

If you are interested in more information or have questions regarding the Surgical Weight Loss Program, contact us at 310-791-5138 or send an email to rebecca@southbaysurgeons.com

Surgical Weight Loss Program
23451 Madison Street, Suite 110
Torrance, CA 90505